Birthday

Fiji Celebrates King's Birthday Colours Trooped for First Time

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, June 19. the occasion of the celebration of the King’s birthday on June 9, the Fiji Defence Force, for the first time in its history, carried out the ceremony of the Trooping of the Colours.

This could not be done before, as until recently the Force did not possess col ours. Due to the generosity of the Hon.

Sir Henry Marks and Major C. B. Joske, these have now been provided.

The ceremony was most impressive and colourful. The steadiness of the troops on parade and the manner in which the intricate ceremonial was carried out, re flected great credit on those responsible for the training of the men. The scene on the parade ground was a brilliant one, the European and Indian troops wearing khaki, and the Fijian Defence Force and band lending a bright splash of colour in their scarlet and white. Fijian con stables lent contrast in navy blue and white.

On the same day a sight which is not often seen nowadays was witnessed in Suva Harbour when over a dozen native canoes from Bau raced for prizes given by the Government. The race was ar ranged in co-operation with the Suva Yacht Club, which also staged a parade of yachts. With the white-sailed yachts dressed in bunting and the mat-sailed canoes bowling along to a spanking breeze, the sight was a fine one indeed.

King George, Tui Viti

Another interesting ceremony was carried out on June 12, when what is known as a Tui Viti ceremony was held. This is virtually the installation of King George VI. as Tui Viti, or King of Fiji, in accordance with native custom.

His Excellency the Governor, as the King’s representative, attended the cere mony, and on arrival was presented with a tahua (whale’s tooth), a root otyaqona and a ceremonially prepared cup of yaqona. Ratu E. Wainiu presented His Excellency with another whale’s tooth and an address proclaiming George VI. King of Fiji. His Excellency then spoke to the assembled chiefs, reading them a message frojn His Majesty. Next he pre sented 10 whale’s teeth to the chiefs.

A ceremonial presentation of native food to the Governor concluded the ceremony.